Kitchen Assistant

Job Title:  Kitchen Assistant 

Department: Homeless Alliance Day Shelter 

Reports to: Kitchen Manager   

Date: 08/12/2020 

Job Code:  

Type of position: 

  Full-time    Part-time X

  Intern 

FLSA: 

  Exempt 

  Nonexempt 

Position Details: 

Individual Contributor 

Supervisor/Manager (direct reports) 

WC Code:  

JOB SUMMARY 

The Kitchen Assistant works with the Kitchen Manager, AARP workers and volunteers to serve hot meals at the Homeless Alliance Day Shelter. Additional areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to: Utilizing donated food resourcefully to prepare meals, cooking, organizing inventory, Preparation and maintenance of quality standards. The Kitchen Assistant will work to maintain a hospitable, people-centered, team driven, and high quality food service environment for the Day Shelter that is founded on the principle of advocating for people who are overlooked and marginalized.  All employees are expected to maintain the Homeless Alliance mission and values at all times whether working beside community partners, volunteers and especially while serving guests. Other duties include ensuring laundry, sanitation, cleanliness and up-keep of the shelter is maintained. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Prepares a variety of meals for cooking in broilers, ovens, grills, tilt skillet and various kitchen equipment 

• Oversee meal service and engage with guests during meals. 

• Identify and communicate operational issues in the kitchen with supervisor 

• Prep meals for the following day 

• Understand and maintain  ethical standards for donations 

• Follow weekly cleaning and upkeep as determined by kitchen manager 

• Maintain cleanliness and safety in the kitchen in compliance with Health Department regulations 

• Maintain good rapport with guest, volunteers, staff and stakeholders 

• Application of the FIFO method to ensure quality and safety of all  ingredients  

• Plan and carry-out meal-time in the event that the Kitchen Manager is absent  

REQUIREMENTS 

• Willing to work early (5.30 AM-1:30 PM) 

• The ability to work flexibly to the differing demands of the role: working with people, dealing professionally with colleagues from partnering agencies 

• Very effective people skills:  

• Ability to demonstrate empathy 

• Ability to use defusing techniques to deal with conflict 

• Able to relate well with people from a variety of different backgrounds: especially vulnerable, those with mental illness, substance abuse, etc. 

• Be able to keep pace with the daily demands of the job 

• Assist with kitchen cleaning and upkeep, including stocking and organizing storage areas 

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as requested in a professional, courteous, and helpful manner 

Note: It is the responsibility of all staff members to treat all clients, volunteers, guests, and other employees in a courteous and respectful manner at all times 

EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE 

• High School Diploma or GED preferred 

• One year or more of food preparation experience  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Sitting or standing for long periods of time.  

• Occasional lifting (light-medium weight) of materials for laundry, cleaning, receiving donations or other activities. 

• Accommodation may be made for some physical limitations for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation. 

WORK ENVIRONMENTS  

The employee will work in a normal kitchen environment and occasionally other areas of the Day Shelter, WestTown Campus and the community. Hectic situations can occur in the public area of the facility characteristic to working with the homeless community and the related concerns and situations related to homeless conditions. Potential exists for volatile and unpredictable situations to occur. Exposure to strong odors such as soiled clothes and poor hygiene, are common.  

The qualifications, physical demands, and work environment described herein are representative of those an employee will encounter and must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. 

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